Bypass valve and downhole pump

ABSTRACT

A pump comprising a body assembly and a plunger assembly slidably received in the body assembly. The body assembly comprises a standing valve, a discharge valve, and a pump barrel cooperating to define a pump chamber. The standing valve opens to permit fluid to flow into the pump chamber from outside the tubing responsive to a negative pressure gradient across the standing valve. The discharge valve opens to permit fluid to flow out of the pump chamber and into the tubing responsive to a positive pressure gradient across the discharge valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to downhole pumping of fluids,and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a pump utilizingan improved valve suited for implementation as a traveling valve or astanding valve, for example, in a downhole petroleum pumping apparatus.

2. Brief Description of Related Art

Downhole pumps are often used to extract petroleum fluids, such as oiland/or natural gas, from subterranean formations when the naturalpressure of an oil or gas formation is insufficient to lift or push thepetroleum to the surface. One type of pump is known as a sucker rodpump. Such a sucker rod pump generally includes at least a pump barrel,a plunger that travels up and down within the barrel, a sucker rodactuating the plunger, a standing valve positioned at or near a lowerend of the barrel, and a traveling valve positioned at or near the endof the plunger so as to travel up and down with the plunger.

A pump chamber is generally formed inside the pump barrel between thestanding valve and the traveling valve. The standing valve allows fluidto flow into the chamber, but does not allow fluid to flow out of thechamber. The traveling valve allows fluid to flow out of the chamber,but does not allow fluid to flow into the chamber.

Fluid pumped by a sucker rod pump is preferably substantially allliquid. The plunger is mechanically actuated, for example, by apumpjack, to move up and down in a reciprocating motion. On the upstrokeof the pumping cycle, as the plunger moves from the bottom to the top ofa stroke, the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid above the travelingvalve forces the traveling valve to close. The upward motion of thetraveling valve also causes a negative pressure gradient between thepump chamber and the well bore, across the standing valve. The negativepressure gradient causes the standing valve to open, drawing liquid intothe pump chamber.

At the end of the upstroke, the pump chamber is filled with liquid fromthe formation. When the plunger begins a subsequent downstroke, i.e.,moves from the top to the bottom of a stroke, the pressure in the pumpchamber is increased, creating a positive pressure gradient from thepump chamber to the pump barrel, which may also be considered a negativepressure gradient across the traveling valve. This pressure gradientcauses the traveling valve to open and forces the liquid in the pumpchamber to flow through the traveling valve and into the pump jacket.Once the liquid is above the traveling valve and pump barrel, the liquidis forced to the surface by the plunger as the traveling valve is closedduring subsequent upstrokes.

One significant drawback to such a sucker rod pump is that the plungeris forced to directly lift the liquid to the surface. Thus, the plungermust support what is generally a very tall column of liquid. This liquidcolumn puts tremendous tensile stress on the sucker rod and can lead towear and ultimate failure of sucker rods, plungers, and other valvecomponents. To this end, a need exists for downhole pumps and pumpcomponents to facilitate extraction of fluids, and especially liquids,from subterranean formations to the surface, while minimizing the forceson pump components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a downhole pump,illustrated during a downstroke, and constructed in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the downhole pump of FIG. 1,illustrated during an upstroke.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a discharge valve constructed inaccordance with the present invention, and suitable for use withdownhole pump of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4A-4D are cross-sectional views of the discharge valve of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bypass valveconstructed in accordance with the present invention, and suitable foruse with the downhole pump of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 6A-6F are cross section views of the bypass valve of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2,one embodiment of the downhole pump 10 is shown constructed inaccordance with the present invention. It should be noted that thedownhole pump 10 may also be described herein as a put pump 10, orsimply a pump 10. The pump 10 is secured in a tubing (not shown) andused with a pump jack unit (not shown) for elevating fluids, such ashydrocarbons, to the earth's surface. In the preferred embodiment, thepump 10 includes a body assembly 14, a plunger assembly 18 slidablydisposed within the body assembly 14 and mechanically actuated by asucker rod string (not shown).

The body assembly 14 preferably includes, in sequence, a standing valve26, a discharge valve 30, and a pump barrel 34. The standing valve 26 ispreferably cylindrical and is formed with a first end 38, a second end42 adapted to securely engage the discharge valve 30, and a channel 46extending between the first end 38 and the second end 42. The standingvalve 26 further includes a preferably spherical valve member 50 sizedto fit within the channel 46, and a valve seat 54 securely disposedwithin a portion of the channel 46, so as to prevent the valve member 50from passing through the first end 38 of the standing valve 26. Thevalve seat 54 is provided with an aperture 58 formed such that when thevalve member 50 engages, and seats on, the valve seat 54, the aperture58 is substantially sealed by the valve member 50 (FIG. 2). Conversely,when the valve member 50 is disposed away from the valve seat 54, fluidis permitted to flow through the aperture 58 of the valve seat 54 (FIG.1), and into the channel 46.

The standing valve 26 depicted is only one example of a standing valve26 which may be utilized with the pump 10 of the present invention.Thus, valves with similar function may be substituted and interchangedwith the standing valve 26 so long as the substituted valve is suitableto permit functioning of the pump 10. More specifically, when there is anegative pressure gradient from the channel 46 across the valve seat 54,the valve member 50 moves away from the valve seat 54 such that fluidsmay flow through the aperture 58 of the valve seat 54 to bypass thevalve member 50 and flow through the standing valve 26.

The discharge valve 30 is provided with a preferably cylindrical valvebody 60 sized to correspond to the standing valve 26. The valve body 60is formed with a first end 62 having an inlet 64 formed therethrough, asecond end 66 adapted to securely engage the pump barrel 34, and a flowchannel 70 in fluid communication with the inlet 64 and extending to thesecond end 66. The first end 62 of the discharge valve 30 securelyengages the second end 42 of the standing valve 26, preferably viacorresponding threads. In other embodiments, the first end 62 of thedischarge valve 30 and the second end 42 of the standing valve 26 may beconnected by any suitable means, for example, corresponding tabs andslots, welds, adhesives, press-fitting, or the like.

The valve body 60 is further formed with a valve channel 74 in fluidcommunication with the inlet 64; and with one or more discharge ports 78extending, preferably laterally, from the valve channel 74 to an outersurface of the discharge valve 30. The discharge valve 30 is furtherprovided with a preferably spherical valve member 82 sized to fit withinthe valve channel 74, and a valve seat 86 securely engaging a portion ofthe valve body 60, so as to prevent the valve member 82 from escapingthe valve channel 74. The valve seat 86 is provided with an aperture 90formed such that when the valve member 82 engages, and seats on, thevalve seat 86 (FIG. 1), the aperture 90 is substantially sealed by thevalve member 82. Conversely, when the valve member 82 is disposed awayfrom the valve seat 86 towards the opposite end of the valve channel 74(FIG. 2), fluid is permitted to flow through the aperture 90 of thevalve seat 86 and out the discharge ports 78.

The pump barrel 34 is preferably formed with a cylindrical shape sizedto correspond to the discharge valve 30. The pump barrel 34 is formedwith a first end 94 adapted to securely engage the second end 66 of thedischarge valve 30, a second end (not shown), and a plunger channel 98extending between the first end 94 and the second end (not shown), andsized to slidably receive the plunger assembly 18. The first end 94 ofthe pump barrel 34 is adapted to securely engage the second end 66 ofthe discharge valve 30, preferably via corresponding threads. In otherembodiments, the first end 94 of the pump barrel 34 and the second end66 of the discharge valve 30 may be connected by any suitable means, forexample, corresponding tabs and slots, welds, adhesives, press-fitting,or the like. As shown, when the standing valve 26, discharge valve 30,and pump barrel 34 are securely joined or connected to form the bodyassembly 14; the channel 46 of the standing valve 26, the flow channel70 of the discharge valve 30, and the plunger channel 98 of the pumpbarrel 34 cooperate to define a pump chamber 100, between the valve seat58 of the standing valve 26 and the plunger assembly 18.

The plunger assembly 18 preferably includes a traveling valve 102 and aplunger body 106. The traveling valve 102, which may also be referred toherein as a bypass valve 102 due to its novel construction, describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6A-6F; is provided with a preferablycylindrical valve body 108 sized to fit closely within the plungerchannel 98 of the pump barrel 34. The valve body 108 of the travelingvalve 102 is further formed with a first end 110 having an inlet 112formed therethrough, a second end 114 adapted to securely engage theplunger body 106, a valve channel 118 extending inward from the inlet112 and terminating within the valve body 108, and an outlet channel 122extending from the valve channel 118 and/or the inlet 112 to the secondend 114. The bypass valve 102 is further provide with a preferablyspherical valve member 126 sized to fit within the valve channel 118,and a valve seat 130 securely engaging a portion of the valve body 108to prevent the valve member 126 from passing through the first end 110of the valve body 108. The valve seat 130 is provided with an aperture134 formed such that when the valve member 126 engages, and seats on,the valve seat 130 (FIG. 1), the aperture 134 is substantially sealed bythe valve member 126. Conversely, when the valve member 126 is disposedaway from the valve seat 130 towards the opposite end of the valvechannel 118 (FIG. 2), fluid is permitted to flow through the aperture134 of the valve seat 130, past the valve member 126, and through theoutlet channel 122, to exit the valve body 108.

The bypass valve 102 depicted is only one example of a traveling valve102 which may be utilized with the pump 10 of the present invention. Inother embodiments, the traveling valve 102 may be omitted from the pump10 or other embodiments of the traveling valve 102 may be utilized thatperform the essential function of the bypass valve 102 herein described.More specifically, when there is a negative pressure gradient from theoutlet channel 122 across the valve seat 130, the valve member 126 movesaway from the valve seat 130 such that fluids may flow through theaperture 134 of the valve seat 130 to bypass the valve member 126 andflow through the traveling valve 102. Thus, valves with similar functionmay be substituted and interchanged with the traveling valve 102, solong as the substituted valve is suitable to permit functioning of thepump 10. For example, the traveling valve 102 depicted may be sized tofunction as the standing valve 26, and the standing valve 26 depictedmay be sized or otherwise adapted to function as the traveling valve102.

The plunger body 106 is formed with a cylindrical shape sized tocorrespond with the traveling valve 102. The plunger body 106 is furtherformed with a first end 138 adapted to securely engage the travelingvalve 102, a second end (not shown), and a fluid passage 142 extendingfrom the first end 138 towards the second end (not shown). The first end138 of the plunger body 106 preferably connects to the second end 114 ofthe traveling valve 102 via corresponding threads. In other embodiments,the first end 138 of the plunger body 106 and the second end 114 of thetraveling valve 102 may be connected by any suitable means, for example,corresponding tabs and slots, welds, adhesives, press-fitting, or thelike. The fluid passage 142 provides a flow path for fluids to flow fromthe first end 138 toward the second end (not shown) of the plunger body106.

Various embodiments of the plunger body 106 may be implemented with thepump 10 of the present invention. For example, in one preferredembodiment, the second end (not shown) of the plunger body 106 isprovided with a plurality of fluid ports or valves (not shown), suchthat the liquid or other fluid is ejected from within fluid passage 142,through the plunger body 106, past the pump barrel 34, and into thetubing (not shown) to be intermingled with the fluids ejected fromdischarge valve 30. In other embodiments, the second end (not shown) ofthe plunger body 106 may be adapted to connect to a hollow sucker rod(not shown), such that a portion of the fluid may be lifted or forced tothe surface within the hollow sucker rod (not shown). Various valves,hollow sucker rods, and the like are well known in the art, and nofurther description thereof is deemed necessary for one skilled in theart to implement the two exemplary embodiments of the plunger body 102,or the various other embodiments of the plunger body 102 which may beutilized with the present invention.

In operation, the pump 10 function as follows. As best shown in FIG. 2,the plunger assembly 18 is mechanically actuated in an upward, direction160, which may also be referred to as an upstroke. As the plungerassembly 18 moves in the upward direction 160, the valve member 126 ofthe bypass valve 102 is forced downward into a first position adjacentto the valve seat 130 to seal the aperture 134 by gravity and/orhydrostatic pressure of fluid within the outlet channel 122 of thebypass valve 102 and/or within the fluid passage 142 of the plunger body106. Thus, the motion of the plunger assembly 14 in the first direction160 causes a negative pressure gradient across the at least onedischarge port 78 of the discharge valve 30 and across the aperture 58of the standing valve 26. This negative pressure gradient draws thevalve member 82 of the discharge valve 30 into a first position engagingthe valve seat 86 to close the discharge valve 30; and draws the valvemember 50 of the standing valve 26 away from the valve seat 54 to openthe standing valve 26 and permit fluid to be drawn through the aperture58 of the standing valve 26 and into the valve chamber 100.

Once the plunger assembly 14 reaches the apex of the upstroke, and asbest shown in FIG. 2, the plunger assembly 14 is mechanically actuatedin a downward direction 164, which may also be referred to as adownstroke. As the plunger assembly 18 moves in the downward direction164, the valve member 126 of the bypass valve 102 is forced upward intoa second position away from the valve seat 130 to open the aperture 134,by the pressure of the fluid within the valve chamber 100. Morespecifically, the downstroke creates a negative pressure gradient acrossthe bypass valve 102, in that the pressure within the bypass valve 102is less than the pressure on the outer side of the inlet 112 of thebypass valve 102. Thus, the motion of the plunger assembly 14 in thesecond direction 164 causes a positive pressure gradient across the atleast one discharge port 78 of the discharge valve 30 and across theaperture 58 of the standing valve 26. These pressure gradients push thevalve member 82 of the discharge valve 30 into a second position awayfrom the valve seat 86 to open the discharge valve 30; and pushes thevalve member 50 of the standing valve 26 to engage the valve seat 54 toclose the standing valve 26, and thereby push fluid out of the valvechamber 100 through the apertures 90 and 134 of the discharge valve 30and the bypass valve 102, respectively.

As fluid is pushed out of the valve chamber 100, through the at leastone discharge port 78 of the discharge valve 30, and into the tubing(not shown), the increasing volume of fluid within the tubing (notshown) causes the fluid within the tubing (not shown) to rise toward thesurface. Simultaneously, the fluid forced through the bypass valve 102is forced into the fluid passage 142 of the plunger body 106. Althoughvarious embodiments of the valves 30 and 102 may result in differingdistributions of fluid, in the preferred embodiment shown, between about30% and about 50% of the fluid ejected from the valve chamber 100 isejected through the discharge valve 30, and the remaining portion isejected from the valve chamber 100 through the bypass valve 102.

In one preferred embodiment, the second end (not shown) of the plungerbody 106 is provided with one or more of fluid ports and/or valves (notshown), such that the liquid or other fluid is ejected from within fluidpassage 142, through the plunger body 106, past the pump barrel 34, andinto the tubing (not shown) to be intermingled with the fluids ejectedfrom discharge valve 30. Thus, the fluid passing through the bypassvalve 102 further adds to the volume of fluid within the tubing (notshown) to further raise the level of fluid within the tubing and therebycause the fluid to rise to the surface, where it can be extracted fromthe well. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, thispermits fluid to be extracted from the well without requiring the suckerrod to support the weight of a fluid column, such as in other types ofpumps which mechanically lift the fluid to the surface with the plunger.

In other embodiments, the second end (not shown) of the plunger body 106may be adapted to connect to a hollow sucker rod string (not shown),such that a portion of the fluid may be lifted to the surface within thehollow sucker rod string (not shown). In this embodiment, the use of thedischarge valve 30 is advantageous in that only a portion of the fluidis mechanically lifted by the hollow sucker rod string (not shown), suchthat the wear on the various valve components is reduced. Various valvesfor ejected fluid from the plunger body 106, hollow sucker rods, and thelike are well known in the art, and no further description thereof isdeemed necessary for one skilled in the art to implement the twoexemplary embodiments of the plunger body 106, or the various otherembodiments of the plunger body 106 which may be utilized with thepresent invention.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, once the plungerassembly 14 reaches the end of the downstroke, the plunger assembly 14is once again reversed and mechanically actuated in the upward direction160 for a subsequent upstroke, wherein alternating upstrokes anddownstrokes, respectively, may be sequentially repeated to extract fluidfrom a well.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4A-4D, enlarged cross-sectional views ofthe discharge valve 30 are depicted to facilitate a more completedescription and understanding of the novel features and function of thedischarge valve 30. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,the discharge valve 30 includes a valve body 60 formed with a first end62 having an inlet 64 formed therethrough, a second end 66, and a flowchannel 70 extending from the inlet 64 to the second end 66. The firstand second ends 62 and 66 may be provided with any suitable shape orsize for engaging and/or connecting to adjacent parts, for example, thestanding valve 26 (FIGS. 1 and 2), or the pump barrel 34 (FIGS. 1 and2). As also described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the valvebody 60 of the discharge valve is further provided with a valve channel74 extending from the inlet 64 toward the second end 66, and terminatingwithin the valve body 60. The valve body 60 is further formed with atleast one discharge port 78, and more preferably multiple dischargeports 78, extending from the valve channel 74 to an outer surface of thevalve body 60.

The discharge valve 30 is further provided with a valve member 82 and avalve seat 86. The valve member 82 is preferably spherical and is sizedto be movably received in the valve channel 74. The valve seat 86 ispreferably sized to fit within, and securely engage, a portion of thevalve channel 74 so as to retain the valve member 82 within the channel.The valve seat 86 is formed with an aperture 90 therethrough, and thevalve seat 86 is adapted to be engaged by the valve member 82 such thatwhen the valve member 82 engages, and thereby seats on, the valve seat86, the aperture 90 is substantially sealed by the valve member 82.

As shown, a central axis 200 may, for reference, be defined extendingpreferably through the respective centers of the first and second ends62 and 66 of the valve body 60. Preferably, at least a portion of eachof the flow channel 70 and valve channel 74 is substantially parallel tothe central axis 200. Preferably, both channels 70 and 74 are also atleast partially offset from the central axis 200, as shown.

In the preferred embodiment, the valve channel 74 is provided with afirst end 204 and a second end 208. The first end 204 is preferably influid communication with the inlet 64 of the valve body 60. The secondend 208 is preferably provided with a conical portion 212, as shown, soas to minimize the surface area of the valve member 82 contacted whenthe valve member 82 is adjacent to the second end 208 of the valvechannel 74, thereby reducing the likelihood of vapor lock or the likepreventing the valve member 82 from freely moving within the valvechannel 74. In the preferred embodiment, the conical portion 212 istangent to a spherically-rounded second end 208. As described above ingeneral terms, the valve member 82 is disposed within the valve channel74 such that the valve member 82 is freely movable between a firstposition (FIG. 1) closing the discharge valve 30 and a second position(FIG. 2) opening the discharge valve 30. When the valve member 82 isdisposed in the first position, the valve member 82 engages the valveseat 86 so as to substantially seal the aperture 90 through the valveseat 86. When the valve member 82 is disposed in the second position,the valve member 82 engages the conical portion 212 of the valve channel74 so as to permit fluid to flow through the aperture 90 of the valveseat 86 and out the discharge ports 78.

As best shown in FIG. 4A, the first end 204 of the valve channel 74 ispreferably enlarged to selectively receive the valve seat 86, andadapted to securely engage the valve seat 86, for example, with threads,interlocking tabs and slots, press fitting, or the like. As discussedabove, and best shown in FIG. 4B, the valve body 60 is further providedwith at least one, and preferably a plurality of, discharge ports 78extending from the valve channel 74 to an external surface of the valvebody 60. The discharge ports 78 may be provided in any suitable shape,size, or number, so as to permit fluids to be discharged from the valvechannel 74 out of the valve body 60. In one embodiment, the valve body60 is provided with three discharge ports 78, and more specifically, onecentral, elongated discharge port 78 extending the shortest distanceoutward from the valve channel 74, and two circular discharge ports 78extending laterally outward from the valve channel 74 substantiallyperpendicular to the central, elongated discharge port 78. The preferredplurality of discharge ports 78 distributes the fluid flow out of thedischarge valve 30 so as to prevent the fluid, and solid particulatestherewithin, from eroding or otherwise damaging the tubing (not shown).Similarly, near the outer portion of the central, elongated dischargeport 78, the valve body 60 is provided with a flattened portion 214 topermit fluid to fan out laterally as it exits the central, elongateddischarge port 78 to further reduce the likelihood that fluid, and solidparticulates therewithin, will erode or otherwise damage the tubing (notshown).

In the preferred embodiment, the flow channel 70 may be described ashaving an inlet portion 216, a transition portion 220, and an outletportion 224. The inlet portion 216 is preferably parallel to, and offsetfrom, the central axis 200 and extends inward from the inlet 64 of valvebody 60. The outlet portion 224 of the flow channel 70 is preferablycoaxially-aligned with the central axis 200 and extends inward from thesecond end 66 of the valve body 60, in the general direction of thesecond end 208 of the valve channel 74. The transition portion 220 ofthe flow channel 70 transitions between the different cross-sections andalignments of the inlet and outlet portions 216 and 224 of the flowchannel 70 so as to provide a relatively smooth transition therebetweento improve the flow characteristics and capacity of the flow channel 70.

As best shown in FIG. 4A, the inlet portion 216 of the flow channel 70is preferably formed with a generally reniform or kidney-shapedcross-section. This reniform cross-section may be more particularlydescribed as having an outer arcuate portion 228, and inner arcuateportion 232, and two lateral arcuate portions 236 joining the inner andouter arcuate portions 228 and 232. The outer arcuate portion 228 ispreferably offset a constant distance from the outer surface of thevalve body 60, such that the outer arcuate portion 228 is radiallydefined about the central axis 200. The inner arcuate portion 232 ispreferably offset a known distance from the valve channel 74 such thatinner arcuate portion 232 is radially-defined about a central axis ofthe valve channel 74.

As best shown in FIG. 4D, the outlet portion 224 of the flow channel 70is preferably formed with a circular cross-section coaxially alignedwith the central axis 200. As also shown in FIG. 4D, the transitionportion 220 of the flow channel 70 provides a preferably smoothtransition from reniform cross-section and offset alignment of the inletportion 216 and the circular cross-section and coaxial alignment of theoutlet portion 224 of the flow channel 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6A-6F, enlarged cross-sectional views ofthe bypass valve 102 are depicted to facilitate a more completedescription and understanding the novel features and functions of thebypass valve 102. As described above, the bypass valve 102 is providedwith a valve body 108 formed with a first end 110 having an inlet 112formed therethrough, a second end 114, a valve channel 118 in fluidcommunication with the inlet 112 and extending inward to terminatewithin the valve body 108, and an outlet channel 122 in fluidcommunication with the valve channel 118 and/or the inlet 112 andpreferably extending to the second end 114 of the valve body 108.

In the preferred embodiment, the valve body 102 may be described ashaving a central axis 250 extending preferably between the centers ofthe first and second ends 110 and 114, respectively, of the valve body108. The valve channel 118 is formed with a first end 254, a second end258, and a central channel axis 262 therebetween. The valve channel 118is preferably formed with a circular cross-section defined about thechannel axis 262. In other embodiments, the valve channel 118 may beformed with any suitable cross-section to enable the function describedherein. As shown, the channel axis 262 is angularly disposed from thecentral axis 250 by an angle 266. The angle 266 preferably ranges fromabout 10 degrees to about 20 degrees, and more preferably is betweenabout 14 degrees and about 16 degrees, inclusive.

It is preferable to optimize the angle 266 so as to optimize the lengthof the channel axis 262, i.e., the distance from the first end 254 tothe second end 258 of the valve channel 118. More specifically, thelonger the valve channel 118, the greater velocity the valve member 126will strike the conical portion 270 with when the bypass valve 102opens. Such increased velocity increases wear and erosion on the conicalportion 270 and on the valve member 126, effectively reducing theservice life of the valve. However, if the length of the valve channel118 is too short, the valve member 126 may not be permitted to move farenough laterally to permit fluid to flow at sufficient rates around thevalve member 126 and through the outlet channel 122. Thus, the angle 266and the length of valve channel 118 must be optimized to reduce wear andextend service life, as well as to maximize flow characteristics of thebypass valve 102. In one embodiment, the length of the valve channel 118may be expressed in terms of the diameter of a spherical valve member126. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the valve channel 118 ispreferably between about 1.5 and about 2 times the diameter of aspherical valve member 126, and more preferably between about 1.65 andabout 1.85 times the diameter of the spherical valve member 126.

The valve channel 118 is also preferably formed with a conical portion270, as shown, so as to minimize the surface area of the of the valvemember 126 contacted when the valve member 126 is adjacent to the secondend 258 of the valve channel 118, thereby reducing the likelihood ofvapor lock or the like preventing the valve member 126 from freelymoving within the valve channel 118. In the preferred embodiment, theconical portion 270 is tangent to the spherically-rounded second end258. As described above in general terms, the valve member 126 isdisposed within the valve channel 118 such that the valve member 126 isfreely movable between a first position (FIG. 1) closing the bypassvalve 102 and a second position (FIG. 2) opening the bypass valve 102.When the valve member 126 is disposed in the first position, the valvemember 126 engages the valve seat 130 so as to substantially seal theaperture 134 through the valve seat 130. When the valve member 126 isdisposed in the second position, the valve member 126 engages theconical portion 270 of the valve channel 118 so as to permit fluids andsolids to flow through the aperture 134 of the valve seat 130 and outthe outlet channel 122 of the valve body 108.

More specifically, the valve body 108 is provided with an opening 272between the valve channel 118 and the outlet channel 122. The opening272 is sized to preferably maximize fluid communication between valvechannel 118 and the outlet channel 122, while also preventing the valvemember 126 from passing from the valve channel 118 to the outlet channel122, as shown. As best shown in FIG. 5 the outlet channel 122 ispreferably formed with an arcuate portion 274 offset a distance 278 fromthe valve member 126 when the valve member 126 is in the second positionadjacent to the second end 258 of the valve channel 118. As best shownin FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D, the cross-section of the outlet channel 122 ispreferably formed with an outer arcuate portion 282, a pair of lateralarcuate portions 286, and, as best shown in FIG. 6C (which issubstantially perpendicular to the flow path of the outlet channel 122),a pair of substantially straight lateral wall portions 290; all of whichcooperate to define an at least partially reniform, or kidney-shaped,cross-sectional flow area.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the geometry of thebypass valve 102 described above obtains improved flow characteristicsby channeling fluids and some solids through a single, preferablysmooth, enlarged outlet channel 122. As best shown in FIG. 5, theangular disposition of the valve channel 118 relative to the outletchannel 122, causes the valve member 126 to move laterally and axiallyaway from the valve seat 130, permitting the outlet channel 122 todirect fluid smoothly around the valve member 126 in a single flow pathwith minimal turbulence-induction. Such geometry is preferably achievedby forming the valve body 102 with known casting methods, as suchcasting methods have proven to permit easier formation of theparticularly novel geometry of the valve body 108 described above. Moreparticularly, such casting methods better enable the formation ofincreased angles 266 between the channel axis 262 of the valve channel118 and the central axis 250 of the valve body 108; the shortened lengthof the valve channel 118; and the substantially straight wall portions290. However, in other embodiments, the geometry of the valve body 102may be achieved by any known methods, such as, for example, machining,forging, or the like.

From the above description, it is clear that the present invention iswell adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantagesmentioned herein as well as those inherent in the invention. Whilepresently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described forpurposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changesmay be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled inthe art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the inventiondisclosed.

1. A pump comprising: a body assembly comprising: a standing valvehaving an inlet, an outlet, a channel therebetween, and a valvemechanism, wherein the valve mechanism is opened to permit fluid to flowthrough the inlet responsive to a negative pressure gradient across theinlet and wherein the valve mechanism is closed to prevent fluid fromflowing through the inlet responsive to a positive pressure gradientacross the inlet; a discharge valve having an inlet, an outlet, a flowchannel therebetween, a valve mechanism, and at least one discharge portextending from the valve mechanism to an outer surface of the dischargevalve, wherein the valve mechanism is opened to permit fluid to flowthrough the at least one discharge port responsive to a positivepressure gradient across the at least one discharge port, and whereinthe valve mechanism is closed to prevent fluid from flowing through thedischarge ports responsive to a negative pressure gradient across thedischarge ports; and, a pump barrel having an inlet, an outlet, and achannel therebetween; wherein the standing valve, discharge valve, andpump barrel securely engage one another such that the channel of thestanding valve, the channel of the discharge valve, and the channel ofthe pump barrel cooperate to define a pump chamber; a plunger assemblyslidably received within the body assembly; and wherein sliding theplunger assembly in an upward direction relative to the body assemblycreates a negative pressure gradient across the inlet of the standingvalve so as to open the standing valve and creates a negative pressuregradient across the at least one discharge port of the discharge valveso as to close the discharge valve; and, wherein sliding the plungerassembly in a downward direction relative to the body assembly creates apositive pressure gradient across the inlet of the standing valve so asto close the standing valve and creates a positive pressure gradientacross the at least one discharge port of the discharge valve so as toopen the discharge valve.
 2. The pump of claim 1, wherein the standingvalve comprises: a valve body having a first end, a second end, and acentral axis therebetween, the valve body further having an inlet, avalve channel, and an outlet channel, the inlet formed through the firstend of the valve body, the valve channel having a first end in fluidcommunication with the inlet, a second end terminating within the valvebody, and a central channel axis angularly-disposed from the centralaxis of the valve body, the outlet channel extending from the valvechannel to an outer surface of the valve body, the valve body furtherhaving an opening between the valve channel and the outlet channel suchthat the valve channel and the outlet channel are in fluidcommunication, the opening having a width less than the minimum internaldimension of the valve channel; a substantially-spherical valve memberdisposed within the valve channel of the valve body, the valve membersized to be movable within the valve channel while being prevented frompassing through the opening between the valve channel and the outletchannel of the valve body; and a valve seat disposed within the valvebody and adjacent to the first end of the valve channel, the valve seathaving a substantially-circular orifice defined therethrough, theorifice having a maximum internal dimension smaller than the diameter ofthe valve member; wherein the valve member is movable between a firstposition engaging the valve seat and a second position adjacent to thesecond end of the valve channel, and wherein the valve member in thefirst position substantially seals the orifice in the valve seat so asto substantially prevent fluid from flowing between the inlet and eitherof a portion of the valve channel or the outlet channel, and wherein thevalve member in the second position permits fluid to flow from the inletto at least one of a portion of the valve channel or the outlet channel.3. The pump of claim 1, wherein the discharge valve comprises: a valvebody having a first end, a second end, and a central axis therebetween,the valve body further having an inlet, a flow channel, a valve channel,and at least one discharge port, the inlet formed through the first endof the valve body, the flow channel in fluid communication with theinlet and extending from the inlet to the second end of the valve body,at least a portion of the flow channel offset from the central axis ofthe valve body, the valve channel having a first end in fluidcommunication with the inlet, and a second end disposed within the valvebody, the at least one discharge port extending from the valve channelto an exterior surface of the valve body; a substantially-sphericalvalve member disposed within the valve channel of the valve body, thevalve member sized to be movable within the valve channel while beingprevented from passing through the at least one discharge port; and, avalve seat disposed within the valve body and adjacent to the first endof the valve channel, the valve seat having an orifice definedtherethrough, the orifice sized to prevent the valve member from passingtherethrough; and, wherein the valve member is movable between a firstposition engaging the valve seat and a second position adjacent thesecond end of the valve channel, and wherein the valve member in thefirst position substantially seals the orifice in the valve seat so asto substantially prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve bodythrough the at least one discharge port, and wherein the valve member inthe second position permits fluid to flow out of the valve body throughthe at least one discharge port.
 4. The pump of claim 1, wherein theplunger assembly comprises: a traveling valve having an inlet, anoutlet, a channel therebetween, and a valve mechanism, wherein the valvemechanism is opened to permit fluid to flow through the inlet responsiveto a negative pressure gradient across the inlet and wherein the valvemechanism is closed to prevent fluid from flowing through the inletresponsive to a positive pressure gradient across the inlet; and,wherein sliding the plunger assembly in the upward direction furthercreates a positive pressure gradient across the inlet of the travelingvalve so as to close the traveling valve; and, wherein sliding theplunger assembly in the downward direction further creates a negativepressure gradient across the inlet of the traveling valve so as to openthe traveling valve.
 5. The pump of claim 4, wherein the traveling valvecomprises: a valve body having a first end, a second end, and a centralaxis therebetween, the valve body further having an inlet, a valvechannel, and an outlet channel, the inlet formed through the first endof the valve body, the valve channel having a first end in fluidcommunication with the inlet, a second end terminating within the valvebody, and a central channel axis angularly-disposed from the centralaxis of the valve body, the outlet channel extending from the valvechannel to an outer surface of the valve body, the valve body furtherhaving an opening between the valve channel and the outlet channel suchthat the valve channel and the outlet channel are in fluidcommunication, the opening having a width less than the minimum internaldimension of the valve channel; a substantially-spherical valve memberdisposed within the valve channel of the valve body, the valve membersized to be movable within the valve channel while being prevented frompassing through the opening between the valve channel and the outletchannel of the valve body; and a valve seat disposed within the valvebody and adjacent to the first end of the valve channel, the valve seathaving a substantially-circular orifice defined therethrough, theorifice having a maximum internal dimension smaller than the diameter ofthe valve member; wherein the valve member is movable between a firstposition engaging the valve seat and a second position adjacent to thesecond end of the valve channel, and wherein the valve member in thefirst position substantially seals the orifice in the valve seat so asto substantially prevent fluid from flowing between the inlet and eitherof a portion of the valve channel or the outlet channel, and wherein thevalve member in the second position permits fluid to flow from the inletto at least one of a portion of the valve channel or the outlet channel.6. The pump of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the valve channeladjacent to the second end of the valve channel is conically shaped. 7.The pump of claim 5, wherein the central channel axis of the valvechannel of the standing valve is angularly disposed from the centralaxis of the valve body of the standing valve by between about 14 degreesand about 16 degrees.
 8. The pump of claim 5, wherein the valve memberof the discharge valve is substantially-spherical and the length of thevalve channel of the standing valve is between about 1.65 and about 1.85times the diameter of the substantially-spherical valve member.
 9. Thepump of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the flow path definedbetween the valve body and the valve member of the standing valve has areniform cross-section.
 10. The valve of claim 5, wherein thecross-section of at least a portion of the outlet channel of thestanding valve is defined by an arcuate interior wall portion and a pairof substantially-straight interior wall portions of the valve body, eachsubstantially-straight interior wall portion on a side of, andcooperating with, the arcuate interior wall portion.
 11. The pump ofclaim 5, wherein the discharge valve comprises: a valve body having afirst end, a second end, and a central axis therebetween, the valve bodyfurther having an inlet, a flow channel, a valve channel, and at leastone discharge port, the inlet formed through the first end of the valvebody, the flow channel in fluid communication with the inlet andextending from the inlet to the second end of the valve body, at least aportion of the flow channel offset from the central axis of the valvebody, the valve channel having a first end in fluid communication withthe inlet, and a second end disposed within the valve body, the at leastone discharge port extending from the valve channel to an exteriorsurface of the valve body; a substantially-circular valve memberdisposed within the valve channel of the valve body, the valve membersized to be movable within the valve channel while being prevented frompassing through the at least one discharge port; and, a valve seatdisposed within the valve body and adjacent to the first end of thevalve channel, the valve seat having an orifice defined therethrough,the orifice sized to prevent the valve member from passing therethrough;and, wherein the valve member is movable between a first positionengaging the valve seat and a second position adjacent the second end ofthe valve channel, and wherein the valve member in the first positionsubstantially seals the orifice in the valve seat so as to substantiallyprevent fluid from flowing out of the valve body through the at leastone discharge port, and wherein the valve member in the second positionpermits fluid to flow out of the valve body through the at least onedischarge port.
 12. A valve comprising: a valve body having a first end,a second end, and a central axis therebetween, the valve body furtherhaving an inlet, a valve channel, and an outlet channel, the inletformed through the first end of the valve body, the valve channel havinga first end in fluid communication with the inlet, a second endterminating within the valve body, and a central channel axisangularly-disposed from the central axis of the valve body, the outletchannel extending from the valve channel to an outer surface of thevalve body, the valve body further having an opening between the valvechannel and the outlet channel such that the valve channel and theoutlet channel are in fluid communication, the opening having a widthless than the minimum internal dimension of the valve channel; asubstantially-spherical valve member disposed within the valve channelof the valve body, the valve member sized to be movable within the valvechannel while being prevented from passing through the opening betweenthe valve channel and the outlet channel of the valve body; and a valveseat disposed within the valve body and adjacent to the first end of thevalve channel, the valve seat having a substantially-circular orificedefined therethrough, the orifice having a maximum internal dimensionsmaller than the diameter of the valve member; wherein the valve memberis movable between a first position engaging the valve seat and a secondposition adjacent to the second end of the valve channel, and whereinthe valve member in the first position substantially seals the orificein the valve seat so as to substantially prevent fluid from flowingbetween the inlet and either of a portion of the valve channel or theoutlet channel, and wherein the valve member in the second positionpermits fluid to flow from the inlet to at least one of a portion of thevalve channel or the outlet channel.
 13. The valve of claim 12, whereinthe valve body and the valve member cooperate to define a single flowpath from the inlet to the outlet channel.
 14. The valve of claim 13,wherein at least a portion of the flow path defined between the valvebody and the valve member is at least partially reniform in crosssection.
 15. The valve of claim 14, wherein the cross-section of atleast a portion of the outlet channel is defined by an arcuate interiorwall portion and a pair of substantially-straight interior wall portionsof the valve body, each substantially-straight interior wall portioncooperating with the arcuate interior wall portion to define the flowpath.
 16. The valve of claim 15, wherein the length of the valve channelalong the channel axis is between about 1.65 and about 1.85 times thediameter of the substantially-spherical valve member.
 17. The valve ofclaim 16, wherein the length of the valve channel along the channel axisis about 1.75 times the diameter of the substantially-spherical valvebody.
 18. The valve of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the valvechannel adjacent to the second end of the valve channel is conicallyshaped.
 19. The valve channel of claim 12, wherein the central channelaxis of the valve channel is angularly disposed from the central axis ofthe valve body by between about 14 degrees and about 16 degrees.